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July 1st , 2010 was a very interesting day in the life of the so called ‘War on Drugs’ in Mississippi. Over-the-counter drugs containing ephedrine or pseudophedrine were put behind the counter, requiring a prescription to purchase.

My brother, Devon, and I trekked down to Lucedale, Mississippi a couple of days ago. It was storming as if Storm herself from X-men had orchestrated a mass attack against southeast Mississippi. To put the icing on the cake, 30 minutes from our destination, a tornado funnel cloud started forming right in front of us! A virgin to the whole tornado experience, I immediately turned around and high-tailed it in the opposite direction ….kind of like StormChasers, but instead of heading in the direction of the storm, I was running as far away as possible!

In December at the ACLU of Mississippi we usually receive a few cards or letters complaining that the ACLU is "anti-Christmas".  Those cards are, unfortunately, usually sent anonymously. Were a return address included, the ACLU-MS could respond with a gentle explanation that, in truth, the ACLU isn't anti-Christmas (or anti anything for that matter), it's pro Constitutional freedom. That includes religious freedom, which is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

Do you remember when, in the wake of the so-called "Patriot Act," cities across the country passed resolutions not to enforce some of the most egregious, rights-violating provisions of that law?  That kind of bold opposition to power made me proud of my country.

So, my friends and I went to the Scotts Sisters Rally and March this Wednesday.  There were a lot of things going on, a sea of people, posters, and banners.  I went to represent my school, Tougaloo College, ACLU student chapter.   For most of the people in TC-ACLU, it was their first time being at a march.  Emotions were high with enthusiasm, and a little apprehensive. We all car pooled to the March’s starting point, Fairish Street Park.  On the way we were sign and laughing and saying chants we heard, wondering what was in store for us.